title: Factors associated with the development of self-harm amongst a socio-economically deprived cohort of adolescents in Santiago, Chile.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Studies carried out in the West indicate that the incidence of self-harm (SH) is particularly high amongst adolescents, but few studies have investigated its incidence and aetiology in low-income countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate risk factors associated with new onset episodes of SH, amongst Chilean adolescents from low socio-economic backgrounds.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective cohort study nested within a cluster randomised controlled trial. A 6-month follow-up for 2,042 adolescents, median age 14 years, from socio-economically deprived areas of Santiago, Chile.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The lifetime prevalence of SH was 23%. The incidence rate of SH at 6 months was 14% amongst those reporting no SH at baseline. In multivariable analyses, risk factors for incident SH include depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts, poor problem-solving skills and cannabis misuse.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The prevalence and incidence of SH in this socio-economically deprived sample differed highly according to gender. Poor problem-solving skills, suicidal thoughts, and cannabis misuse were associated with onset of SH.
authors.affiliation: Academic Unit of Psychiatry, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Spears
authors.forename: Alan A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Montgomery
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gunnell
authors.forename: Ricardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Araya
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002677:Chile / Q000453:epidemiology; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D035862:Vulnerable Populations / Q000706:statistics & numerical data